woman standing, holding a fan 1878-9 Mary Stevenson Cassatt (1844-1926)

The composition presents a solitary female figure positioned within a confined space, rendered in a style characterized by flattened perspective and a limited palette. Here we see her standing, engaged in what appears to be a moment of quiet contemplation or interaction with the environment immediately surrounding her. She holds a fan, its decorative surface providing a small area of contrasting color against the dominant hues.
The woman is dressed in a long, flowing garment of a muted yellow-green tone. The fabric drapes loosely around her form, obscuring precise details and contributing to an overall sense of fluidity. Her posture suggests a slight inclination forward, as if shes leaning towards something just beyond our view. A portion of what seems to be a bed or upholstered furniture is visible behind her, its surface indistinct and blending with the background.
The color scheme is dominated by warm earth tones – ochres, yellows, and reds – which create an atmosphere that feels both intimate and slightly melancholic. The background itself is treated as a block of color, primarily dark blue, which serves to isolate the figure and intensify her presence within the frame. Light falls unevenly upon the scene, highlighting certain areas while leaving others in shadow. This selective illumination contributes to the painting’s overall mood of quiet introspection.
The artists technique emphasizes broad brushstrokes and a lack of precise detail, prioritizing an emotional response over photographic realism. The absence of clear spatial cues and the simplified forms contribute to a sense of ambiguity; it is difficult to ascertain the exact location or context of this scene.
Subtly, there’s a suggestion of domesticity – the presence of the bed implies a private space – yet the figures isolation hints at a deeper emotional distance. The fan, traditionally associated with leisure and refinement, seems almost an affectation in this setting, perhaps suggesting a performance of social grace within a more constrained reality. The overall effect is one of restrained emotion and quiet observation, inviting speculation about the woman’s inner state and the circumstances surrounding her.